With just two weeks left until the NFL Draft, all 32 teams are preparing to address significant needs within their rosters. Our esteemed draft analysts, including Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates, undertook an exciting project: a comprehensive 10-round, 40-pick draft aimed at constructing their best superteams solely from this year’s draft class. For an in-depth analysis and lively discussions, be sure to check out the latest edition of First Draft.
The draft format utilized was a snake draft, allowing each analyst to fill out starting lineups with specific positional requirements. Each roster needed to include one quarterback, one running back, two wide receivers or tight ends, one offensive tackle, one interior offensive lineman, two front-seven defenders, and two defensive backs. All remaining positions were considered replacement-level. The analysts had the flexibility to select positions in any order and tailor their teams according to their preferred schemes. Notably, Kiper opted for a more traditional approach in his selections.
This unique superteam draft offered insights into prospect value, the analysts’ personal rankings, and which players are poised to make the most significant impact at the next level. Which team emerged with the most potent offense and the most formidable defense? Let’s dive into the results, starting with Yates, and review each pick.
The draft order was randomized, positioning Yates with the first overall pick. Due to the snake format, Kiper had back-to-back selections at picks four and five, while Yates had to wait until pick eight for his second choice. No trades were permitted during this engaging exercise.
Here are the detailed picks:
1. Yates: Cam Ward, QB, Miami2. Reid: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado3. Miller: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado4. Kiper: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State5. Kiper: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan6. Miller: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State7. Reid: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona8. Yates: Will Campbell, OT, LSU9. Yates: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State10. Reid: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas11. Miller: Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia12. Kiper: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri13. Kiper: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina14. Miller: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas15. Reid: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia16. Yates: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan17. Yates: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama18. Reid: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas19. Miller: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas20. Kiper: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan21. Kiper: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss22. Miller: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall23. Reid: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia24. Yates: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri25. Yates: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina26. Reid: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina27. Miller: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State28. Kiper: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State29. Kiper: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky30. Miller: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State31. Reid: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State32. Yates: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M33. Yates: Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona34. Reid: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State35. Miller: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss36. Kiper: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami37. Kiper: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame38. Miller: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville39. Reid: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss40. Yates: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Quarterback: Cam Ward
Running Back: Quinshon Judkins
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Luther Burden III, Tyler Warren
Offensive Tackle: Will Campbell
Guard/Center: Jonah Savaiinaea
Defensive Line/Linebacker: Jihaad Campbell, Shemar Stewart
Defensive Backs: Will Johnson, Nick Emmanwori
Yates shared his strategy: “My mindset was straightforward entering this draft: Grab as many of the top-ranked players at their respective positions. Mission accomplished.” His team includes five players who rank highest at their positions, emphasizing the importance of a skilled quarterback and surrounding him with capable playmakers to enhance offensive effectiveness.
Reid's Team OverviewQuarterback: Shedeur Sanders
Running Back: TreVeyon Henderson
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden
Offensive Tackle: Josh Simmons
Guard/Center: Tyler Booker
Defensive Line/Linebacker: Mykel Williams, Walter Nolen
Defensive Backs: Malaki Starks, Shavon Revel Jr.
Reid emphasized offensive firepower, stating, “With an emphasis on scoring points, I wanted to add some offensive firepower in the early rounds after securing my franchise quarterback.” His team boasts a balanced mix of run support and explosive pass rushers, complimented by a solid defensive backfield.
Miller's Team OverviewQuarterback: Tyler Shough
Running Back: Ashton Jeanty
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Travis Hunter, Emeka Egbuka
Offensive Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr.
Guard/Center: Donovan Jackson
Defensive Line/Linebacker: Jalon Walker, Mike Green
Defensive Backs: Jahdae Barron, Trey Amos
Miller focused on speed and versatility in his selections, indicating, “The focus of this team is speed and versatility.” He strategically waited to select a quarterback, allowing him to strengthen other positions and create a well-rounded team.
Kiper's Team OverviewQuarterback: Jaxson Dart
Running Back: Omarion Hampton
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Colston Loveland, Elijah Arroyo
Offensive Tackle: Armand Membou
Guard/Center: Grey Zabel
Defensive Line/Linebacker: Abdul Carter, Mason Graham
Defensive Backs: Maxwell Hairston, Xavier Watts
Kiper expressed confidence in his defense, stating, “Good luck scoring on this defense.” With top-tier players selected for both offense and defense, Kiper aimed to create a formidable unit capable of dominating opponents.
Which analyst do you think assembled the best superteam? Don't miss the chance to vote on your favorite roster from this exciting draft exercise. For the complete roster reveal and further insights, be sure to watch First Draft.
